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Gardner, Illinois: Streetcar Diner

1932 diner, a converted horse-drawn streetcar, no longer serves food, but is a Route 66 landmark with its own "In Appreciation" historical marker. Restored in 2011.

Address:
246-290 N Center St., Gardner, IL
Directions:
Hwy 53, west on E Washington St., south on N. Center St. to Mazon St.
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Streetcar Diner.

Streetcar Diner

Here's an updated view of the restaurant with signage.

[Craig Grondfeldt, 08/14/2020]

The stone monument at the diner reads: "In Appreciation. Thank you to Bob and Peggy Kraft for donating this Route 66 Hall of Fame streetcar to Gardner. The Krafts provided years of food, fun, and nostalgia at their Riviera Roadhouse located on Route 66. The Riviera unfortunately burned down on June 8, 2010. It is the town's desire that this piece of Gardner history will provide fond memories to all who visit. Monument crafted by - Mike Potter."

Restored diner.

Streetcar Diner

The Krafts provided food on Route 66. Their diner burned down on June 8, 2010. This was built to provide fond memories to all who visit, and is in the Illinois Route 66 Hall Of Fame.

[Elmer Babbs, 04/09/2013]

The Riviera burned down in 2010; the old diner behind, a Kankakee streetcar converted to a diner in 1932, was recently restored as a Route 66 landmark. The cook is a painting on the wall behind the counter, so no food served there.


Nearby Offbeat Places

Two-Cell Jail - Shutterbugs WelcomeTwo-Cell Jail - Shutterbugs Welcome, Gardner, IL - < 1 mi.
Illinois Route 66 Mining MuseumIllinois Route 66 Mining Museum, Godley, IL - 5 mi.
Braidwood Zoo Animal SculpturesBraidwood Zoo Animal Sculptures, Braidwood, IL - 7 mi.
In the region:
Big Flowerpot, Kankakee, IL - 23 mi.

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